Endocrinology

Help for Hormones & Growth

The endocrine system is made up of hormone-producing glands that affect your child’s growth and development, puberty, energy level and mood. These glands need to release just the right amount of hormones into the bloodstream to ensure that your child’s body functions properly. At Nemours, our pediatric endocrinologists work as a team to diagnose endocrine conditions, determine a plan of care, and offer our patients and their families support and education at every step.

Conditions We Treat

Type 1 diabetes — also known as juvenile diabetes — is the most common condition we treat. Many other endocrine disorders, from thyroid issues to menstrual problems, stem from hormonal imbalances that can respond well to expert treatment.

We see a full spectrum of conditions — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending upon the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.

adrenal disorders (Addison disease, Cushing syndrome)

bone diseases and disorders of calcium and vitamin D (rickets and osteoporosis)

insulin pump therapy and education (required classes on initiating and using pump therapy)

nutrition assessment and therapy (education led by dietitians on food and beverage choices to help manage diabetes)

X-rays (to look at bone age — how much the bones have matured)

Why Choose Us

At Nemours, your child can benefit from a team approach to care that may include (depending on the location) board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, psychologists, diabetes educators and nurses who specialize in treating endocrine disorders. We work together to create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your child.

Nemours researchers also investigate diabetes, obesity, growth and nutrition from different perspectives (such as how conditions affect kids’ bodies, genes, emotions and behavior). We participate in type 1 diabetes TrialNet, an international network of researchers exploring ways to prevent, delay and research the progression of the condition. Just as important, we take a family-centered approach that includes medical and lifestyle initiatives to help manage your child’s care at home and at school.

state-of-the-art Endocrine Infusion Center used for all types of outpatient hormonal stimulation tests (performing more than 1,000 hormonal tests per year)

clinical division with highest number of patients seen at the hospital in 2017 (with 12,000 patient visits) and the highest number of physicians with patient satisfaction survey scores in the 99th percentile

involvement in multiple research clinical trials in different areas of endocrinology, involving growth disorders, diabetes and precocious (early) puberty

collaborations with other specialties to offer comprehensive thyroid care for kids — becoming the only hospital in Central Florida to provide radioactive iodine therapy to patients with thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism, and creating the most complete multidisciplinary team in Central Florida specialized in thyroid surgery

American Diabetes Association (ADA) Accredited Center of Excellence, treating 1,000 children with diabetes (90 percent with type 1) — includes a team of highly talented certified diabetes educators, cutting-edge technology and insulin and hypoglycemia management, dietary and nutrition counseling, 24-hour on-call coverage for diabetes-related emergencies, full-time counselor for prompt individual and family counseling, and a specialized program for children with poorly controlled diabetes management

specialized consultation for disorders of growth and puberty and diabetes, drawing referrals from across the country and the world for children with complex medical conditions who need our pediatric endocrinologists' expert care and advice

access to state-of-the-art diagnostic screenings and other services at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, including assessments on bone age and body composition, and tests to measure growth hormone deficiency and more

fellowship program in collaboration with the University of Florida, training the next generation of endocrinologists

close collaboration with other specialties (e.g., orthopedics on treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta, and gastroenterology for children who aren’t growing well due to inflammatory bowel problems or trouble absorbing nutrients)

Camp Seale Harris (working with camp to provide education, socializing and fun for kids with diabetes)

Patient Stories

Sometimes the best support and peace of mind comes from families who’ve been there. Meet some of the inspiring kids we’ve been honored to treat.